60 is officially the perfect age to retire, according to a study. Researchers found the majority of adults believe 60 is a decent time to step away from the world of work because they are still fit enough to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.
It also emerged quitting work at 60 means retirees are able to fulfill their dreams of traveling abroad and allows them to spend their hard-earned savings.
The big six-zero age was also hailed as a good point to start spending more time with the grandchildren.
The findings emerged from a study of 1,500 adults aged 50 and over, which considered the financial, emotional and recreational needs of retirement.
Overall the results mean women are happy with the age at which they are allowed to draw a state pension – but men would prefer their state pension age brought forward by five years.
A spokeswoman for Engage Mutual, which conducted the study said:
”We’re seeing a varied and fascinating picture around people’s attitudes to work and retirement, against a backdrop of significant changes to the state pension change.
”With the default retirement age now abolished, people can work beyond the age of 65, and some do want to.
”But state pension changes may take the choice out of older age working for many. If they cannot draw their state pension until they are older, people simply won’t be able to afford to retire.”
Unfortunately, the state pension age is due to be pushed up to age 66 by 2020 for both men and women, and there are plans for it to rise even further after this.
One in five of those aged 50 and over might not see this as a problem, as they think that after 65 is the best time to retire.
Not surprisingly, money is the biggest worry around retirement – 60% worry about being able to afford to live, while 54% worry how they will pay unexpected bills and costs.
But regardless of their preferred retirement age, the vast majority of those aged 50 and above are optimistic that time is on their side – more than 90% believe that being in your fifties and sixties means you’re still young.
Most of those who would prefer to retire by the age of 60 say they want a few years of being active and enjoying themselves before any ill health issues come along.
Two thirds of them want to spend quality time with grandchildren, while almost eight in 10 have lots of ambitious plans to do things with their partner.
87% of them intend to travel during their retirement years, and 80% hope to have enough money in place to spend on such holidays and other leisure activities.
The vast majority of those choosing after 65 as a ‘perfect retirement age’ feel very positive about being at work – 80% say they still have a lot to offer the workplace, and 71% enjoy the companionship that work provides.
A surprising 13% of 66-70 year olds are still working, and 41% of them are not looking forward to retiring.
Earlier this year the number of people aged 65 and over in employment reached one million for the first time.
One in ten of those aged 50 and above are concerned their children may become more dependent on them for childcare in retirement.
One fifth said they were anxious their partner might drive them mad, while 19% are worried they ‘might be lonely’.
The spokeswoman for Engage Mutual, who created the ‘Are you read to retire’ quiz, added:
”Understanding our own financial and emotional priorities is key to getting the retirement that is right for us.
”For some it can be a bit of a shock to go from a full working life to a life of leisure. Which might explain why the transition between working life and non-working life is becoming more blurred.
”Reduced or part time hours, voluntary work and public service roles are already providing an important retirement half way house for those who feel they still have a lot to give.”
Only 7% of people in the survey concluded that the ideal age of retirement is before the age of 50.
